Deadline has broken the news that on August 22, 2023, Nathan Louis Jackson (13 Reasons Why, Shameless) has passed away. Jackson was an award-winning playwright with his debut of Broke-ology, Jackson went on to write and produce for iconic shows such as Luke Cage, S.W.A.T., Shameless and 13 Reasons Why.
No cause of death has been given in regards to the passing of Jackson, but, according to Deadline, his wife told the New York Times that Jackson had been struggling with cardiac problems. His cardiac problems consisted of an aortic aneurysm and an aortic dissection. Jackson was only 44 years old at the time of death.
Jackson’s plays The Last Black Play and The Mancherios both won the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award. Jackson later adapted these two works into Broke-ology. He was later awarded the Kennedy Center’s Gold Medallion and won the Mark Twain Comedy Playwriting Award for The Last Black Play.
While a prolific playwright, Jackson’s work in Hollywood was not insignificant. Jackson was a writer on Southland, Shameless and eventually went on to write and co-produce on Netflix’s Luke Cage.
According to Deadline, Jackson’s family provided a statement after his passing to Playbill that states, “Jackson’s work often showcased his love for his hometown. Having lived and worked on both coasts, Nathan’s heart belonged in Kansas City. Nathan was especially passionate about bar-b-que and his Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson was a devoted supporter of the arts community within Kansas City. Jackson will be remembered by his loved ones for his warmth and kindness, and his phone calls. He did not believe in text messaging, preferring to speak voice to voice whenever possible.” This beautiful statement shows the Jackson was a very genuine character.
Nathan Louis Jackson is survived by his mother Bessie, wife Megan Mascorro-Jackson, daughter Amaya, son Savion and his siblings: Wardell and Ebony Maddox.